St Mirren v Motherwell: Danny Lennon steps up defender search after McGregor cruciate fears confirmed

McGregor has been pencilled in for surgery early next month after visiting a specialist on Thursday to assess the injury he suffered during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Dundee United.

The 25-year-old was arguably St Mirren's best player last season after following Lennon to Paisley from Cowdenbeath and his ability to play the ball out from the back has been crucial to the manager's transformation of the style of football this term.

Lennon said: "There is definitely cruciate damage in there so we are talking between six and nine months. But with the mentality and character that Darren McGregor has, and the medical team he has at his access, we are very hopeful it will be at the lower end of that scale.

"He has been a big, big player for us but it's done now. We feel we have quality within the squad to come in and we're asking Marc McAusland to step up to the plate. Nothing will change in the way we try to go about our business."

McAusland will face Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Motherwell at St Mirren Park today but Lennon knows he needs more cover.

"I knew I had it in the short term but it's a long, long season to go with three centre-backs with this injury, moving round pegs in square holes," he said.

"We're more than confident of going in there for a few games but we are actively looking for a replacement."

Saints will also have to manage without Nigel Hasselbaink after they lost their appeal against his red card for catching United defender Paul Dixon with his arm. Captain Jim Goodwin said: "It's a huge loss. Nigel and Darren are two key figures in our team. They have both had terrific starts.

"Your heart goes out to Darren because it was a big season for him. But it's important for us to keep things going and it gives someone else an opportunity to show the manager what they are capable of."

Meanwhile, Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan admits the trend towards possession football in the SPL is proving as enjoyable for players as it is for supporters.

Motherwell have started the season playing the quick passing game that manager Stuart McCall preaches. The approach has paid off for SPL leaders Motherwell and St Mirren so far, with both teams going into the Paisley clash unbeaten.

Craigan said: "You probably look now and think (St Mirren] are the most improved team already from last season, the way they are playing. Danny has stamped his authority on the team and brought in good-quality players. Danny obviously has a system that suits them and how they want to play. I think it's been heartening for Scottish football that a lot of teams are trying to play passing football.

"Of course there are times when you have to go route one and clear your lines."Hearts tried to play last week a little bit, St Mirren are trying to play, Kilmarnock, we feel as if we are trying to play, Inverness were a changed side here at the beginning of the season, they were more of a passing team than the last couple of years."

Craigan found it difficult to explain the improvement. "It just seems to have evolved for some reason," the former Northern Ireland international said. "It's enjoyable to play and it's enjoyable to play against and most importantly we're trying to entertain spectators."